String Quartet Tribute to Tupac arranges 13 of the MC's songs for violin, viola, and cello. The all-instrumental tracks are stripped of
2Pac's slinky braggadocio. But
String Quartet's players figure out how to make "All Eyez on Me" and "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted" at once taut and melodic; they lean hard on "California Love"'s rhythmic swing, and treat "To Live & Die in L.A." with a graceful violin lead that's sunny and mournful all at once, much like
2Pac's celebratory/fatalistic original. "How Do U Want It" and "I Ain't Mad at Cha" don't work as well -- while quite capable technically, they lose their connection to the source material without the raps or beats. Still,
String Quartet Tribute to Tupac is an interesting take on the fallen MC's musical legacy, particularly for die-hard fans. ~ Johnny Loftus